The Children of Red Peak

Written by Craig DiLouie

Narrated by James Patrick Cronin

A Bram Stoker Award-nominated author brings a new twist to the cult horror story in a heart-pounding novel of suspense featuring dark secrets and unaddressed trauma.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dreamscape Media
• Release date: Jan 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9781666546835

Craig DiLouie

Craig DiLouie is an acclaimed American-Canadian author of literary dark fantasy and other fiction. Formerly a magazine editor and advertising executive, he also works as a journalist and educator covering the North American lighting industry. A member of the Imaginative Fiction Writers Association, International Thriller Writers, and Horror Writers Association, he currently lives in Calgary, Canada with his two wonderful children.

Reviews for The Children of Red Peak

[KL McDowd · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It had me until the end. I thought it was building to something really cool. I got attached to Deacon and Beth and was interested to see how their story would conclude. As I realized what I thought the story was building to, I got excited. Then saw how close I was to the end. I was really confused. Then the ending was just kind of a bummer. Too bad, because I thought the first 2/3 were really good.

[bethany_murphy_7 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I cannot explain how disappointing this story was. Slow pace, leading up to a complete letdown of an ending. Don't bother.

[Lisa Ridge · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was not the book I'd hoped it would be. I wanted something more. I wouldn't use the word "horror" in describing this story, although it does describe scenes of violence and mutilation. Once the survivors reached the top of Red Peak near the end, the story dropped off a cliff for me, and they didn't get the ending I think they deserved. But I'll definitely add this to my "religion does harm" shelf. Fucking cults.

The audiobook narration is good; I'd give that 4 starts on its own.

[Colton Holloway · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The author really sucks you in and it’s healed to quit!

[Nicole Robinson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Well written, very fleshed out characters and great narration. Ominous, foreboding, and exciting

[John Water · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Ok. Nothing special. Kinda a poor man IT story but not as good.

[Sarah · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

?
⭐⭐/5
Almost a DNF. Just didn't grab my attention like the authors other book, Suffer The Children.

[Nikki · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I really loved this until the end. Not the direction I thought we were going at all.

[Marikins · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It was a bit slow to start then really got me. The story is so interesting but I feel like the ending was kind of lackluster. I guess the point is for it to be a mystery but it just felt a bit rushed and unsure.

[lydia · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Way more interesting near the end… I just kept getting bored with this book

[Bethany Johnson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderfully chilling. Hits like an extended creepy pasta. Highly recommend if you like the creepy and unsolid answers of a continued mystery.

[Mordekai Pine · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this novel— I think the concept was amazing, and the author built on it beautifully. However, I definitely feel as though more building needed to be done, especially with the main characters and the romantic relationships. Overall, it was an incredibly enjoyable read.

[Spoilers ahead]

I found myself really invested in the narration of the past, and I feel as though the adolescent characters were very well (and realistically) developed. That isn’t to say that the adults weren’t realistic, though. Specifically, I like how raw Beth felt as a protagonist as the story went on. I felt as though Angela could’ve used a bit more time in the light, especially as an adult.
However, it feels as though the narrations from the early 2000’s had more vibrance to them, and I found myself eager to go back in time rather fan forward.

While I really enjoyed Deacon’s character, I felt as though he needed to be developed a lot more. As well, the relationship between him and Beth (and David and Claire for that matter) felt a bit rushed. I feel as though the foundation was great, but as it went on, I began to feel less drawn in.

The supernatural element was very very fun and enticing as a concept, and that concept was built upon beautifully. I feel as though the characters handled the situation very realistically. I will say, specifically through the hypnosis parts, it felt as though the game was given away a bit too early. There were moments where I felt the story was unsure if it wanted to lean into being a mystery novel or a psychological thriller. Nonetheless, aside from that, I feel as though the pacing was incredible and had the intended effect of keeping the reader guessing.

I was fairly happy with the ending, although I think it needed more of a foundation before it was executed. I feel as though developing the characters, their minds, their relationships, etc. would have made the ending far more impactful.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and don’t want my criticisms of it to, in any way, ‘put it down’. It was an incredible read and I finished it in about three days.